The North West Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Wessels Morweng has condemned the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl in Ipelegeng, in Schweizer-Reneke.
The incident allegedly took place last year December, but the two suspects, a 56-year-old and 58-year-old men respectively, were only arrested last week and appeared in the Schweizer-Reneke Magistrate Court on Friday.
The two were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on 10 April 2025.
Morweng was speaking after visiting the girl’s family in Ipelegeng, where the family shared their harrowing ordeal, adding that the “incident shows the extent of moral decay in societies.”
The MEC said he was only made aware of the incident last week Friday, and immediately contacted the acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General Patrick Asaneng, to act on the matter.
“On Friday he indeed confirmed that two men have been arrested regarding the case.
It’s a very saddening moment because from December until now, I still don’t know why the police didn’t effect any arrest.
It’s a worrisome matter that these people committed this horrific thing in December, and arrests were only made on Friday.
My biggest worry is what they’ve done from that moment until now, it meant that women and children in the streets of Schweizer-Reneke were not safe, as these two demonic individuals were roaming the streets,” said Morweng.
He’s confident that the police have a strong case against the suspect, and that they’ll be denied bail in their next appearance.
The MEC psychosocial support will be provided to the minor and her family, adding that social workers have been mandated to continue further engagements with the family.
Morweng earlier received a memorandum of demands from the community regarding the case, and other rape incidents which the community said are still unresolved.
He implored the police to expedite cases and keep families of the victims informed and assured the residents that the cases will be expedited.
